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If any man desires to do God's will, he will have the needed illumination to recognize, and can tell for himself whether the teaching is from God or whether I am speaking from myself and on my own accord.  John 7:17 

Speaking In Tongues

We were at a funeral recently and as the people were leaving and passing by the open casket a lady ahead of us stopped and began “speaking in tongues."  After concluding, she began “interpreting” what she had just “uttered."  What she said caught my attention for she informed us that this lady was in heaven. 

For those who do not understand what the Bible has to say  

about what happens to a person when they die, please see my study entitled The State of the Dead.  Was this lady, lying in the casket, in heaven?

While most people in the world accept the belief that when you die you go to heaven or you go to hell, the Bible tells us a very different story.

“To the law and to the testimony:  if they speak not according to this word, it is because there is no light in them” (Isa. 8:20, emphasis added).  If what people say does not line up with what the Bible has to say on a matter, what are we to do?  “Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of Elohim:  because many false prophets are gone out into the world” (1 John 4:1-2, emphasis added).  We are to hold up the teachings and sayings of men or women to the light of the Word of Elohim in order to “try” or test them to see “whether they are of Elohim” or of the devil!  And if “they speak not according to this word [of Elohim] there is NO light in them.”  The Bible is the great “Detector of Error!”

When the woman who “spoke in tongues” said this woman, lying in the casket, was in heaven, bells and whistles went off in my mind.  Why?  She was not speaking “according to this word [of Elohim]” which clearly teaches when people die they are asleep in the grave until Yahushua returns to awaken them.  I will cite two portions of scripture to show you what the Bible says over and over again about this matter.

Is King David in heaven?  On the day of Pentecost when the disciples were filled with the Spirit of Elohim, Peter said this:  “Men and brethren, let me freely speak unto you of the patriarch David, that he is both dead and buried, and his sepulcher is with us unto this day . . . For David is NOT ascended into the heavens” (Acts 2:29, 34, emphasis added).  “So David slept with his fathers, and was buried in the city of David” (1 Kings 2:10).  The Bible tells us when one dies he lies in the grave as though he were asleep, to be awakened by Yahushua when He returns.  “Behold, I show you a mystery; We shall not all sleep [Some will remain alive until Yahushua returns.], but we shall all be changed, in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump:  for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead [in Messiah] shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed” (1 Cor. 15: 51, 52).

The question begs to be asked: was this woman mistaken or was the spirit that moved her to “speak in tongues” misleading her and those who heard?  It is my understanding, and you may correct me if I am wrong, but those who “speak in tongues” and “interpret” are said to be moved upon by what they consider “the Spirit of Elohim,” and what they say is supposedly from Elohim.  If this is so, then the spirit that moved upon this woman was not “the Spirit of Elohim.” 

If we put that spirit to the test as to whether what was said was according to the Word of Elohim, we find it not in harmony with what the Word tells us.  Elohim does not contradict Himself!  If throughout His Word, we are told one thing concerning the state of the dead, and then a spirit speaking through an individual contradicts what the Word of Elohim says, we can only come to one conclusion; it was not “the Spirit of Elohim” which spoke through that woman that day unless we do not accept the Holy Bible as the standard by which all matters are to be tested.

So is there a gift of “speaking in tongues?"  Yes, there is, but we must remember the Devil is “deceiving the whole world” (Rev. 12:9).  He is not just deceiving a few here and a few there, but “the whole world.”  He is not deceiving everyone in the same manner on just one subject.  He has a multitude of methods by which he is accomplishing his purpose.  Some of his methods are so obvious to some of us, that we quickly turn away from them, while others readily fall for his devices.  We are told “if it were possible, even the elect” would be seduced (Mark 13:22).  And by what methods will he use to seduce even “the very elect?”  “For false Messiahs and false prophets shall arise, and shall show signs and wonders, to seduce, if it were possible, even the very elect” (Mark 13:22, emphasis added).).

Does the devil have the ability to give his agents the means to “show signs and wonders?" The first incident shown in the Bible of Satan’s capabilities was seen in the Garden of Eden when he spoke through the serpent to tempt Eve (Gen. 3:1-6).  It was not until after the serpent had been used by Satan that the serpent was made to crawl on his belly (Gen. 3:14). We will see Satan uses many means to deceive people.  This was the first case of ventriloquism.

We read in the book of Job what Satan did when he was given permission by Elohim to bring troubles upon Job.   Satan moved upon the Sabeans to steal Job’s cattle and slay Job’s servants (Job 1:14, 15, 17).  Satan brought fire down from heaven and burned up Job’s sheep and his servants (Job 1:16).  And Satan caused “a great wind” to come and blow down the house where Job’s children were, killing them all (Job 1:13, 19, 20). 

Today, when calamities occur in nature, Who is it that gets credited with them?  Elohim gets the blame, just as He did when the “fire of Elohim is fallen from heaven” (Job 1:16), even though we know it was Satan doing this.  Today, they are called “Acts of God.”  They are the “acts of god,” but they are the acts of the “god of this world [Satan]” (2 Cor. 4:4).  We must be aware of what the Bible has to say about Satan and his powers. 

How is Satan deceiving the whole world (Rev. 12:9)?  “And he [Satan] does great wonders, so that he makes fire come down from heaven in the sight of men, and he deceives them that dwell on the earth by the means of those miracles which he had power to do” (Rev. 13:13-14, emphasis added).  Satan has the ability to perform miracles and even to bring fire down from heaven.

When Moses went in before the Pharaoh of Egypt, he showed Pharaoh signs that Elohim had given him to do before Pharaoh in order to convince Pharaoh that he should let the children of Israel leave Egypt.  Instead of letting them go, Pharaoh called in his magicians who performed similar acts thus causing him to harden his heart.  While the magicians were able to copy some of the miracles performed through Moses, they could not copy all of them.  Satan was using those magicians to perform those acts.  Read Exodus chapters seven and eight.  If miracles can be performed by Satan and by those whom he controls, then we cannot place our trust in miracles and wonders and in those who are performing them.

The early Christian Church was not ignorant of Satan and his devices and why it is so important that we know what he can do if he is given permission by Elohim.  “Lest Satan should get an advantage of us:  for we are not ignorant of his devices” (2 Cor. 2:11, emphasis added).  In the world, and even within the Christian Community, there is a growing unbelief that such a being as Satan even exists.  What “advantage” do you think that gives to Satan?  Here is one advantage that I see, but there are many.  If we do not believe there is a being called Satan, then to whom do we attribute the “signs and wonders” when they appear in our midst?  Elohim?  Even though they may be done by Satan?

I shared this in an earlier article, but it really needs to be shown here.  “In a survey (The Barna Group -2009) of 1,871 self-described Christians, four out of ten (40%) strongly agreed that Satan “is not a living being but is a symbol of evil.” An additional two out of ten (19%) said they “agree somewhat” with that perspective. A minority of Christians indicated that they believe Satan is real by disagreeing with the statement: one-quarter (26%) disagreed strongly and about one-tenth (9%) disagreed somewhat. The remaining 6% were not sure what they believe about the existence of Satan.”  Remember these are self-described Christians who profess that the Holy Bible is the basis for their beliefs. 

We have a most malicious, evil, deceptive, subtle, and sadistic foe to contend with in this world we live.  “For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places” (Eph. 6:12).  We have been given ample warning of him, but few make the Bible their study and their supreme authoritative source on which to base their beliefs.  So many would rather base their religious beliefs on a book written by some man or woman rather than on the pure Word of Elohim which they should be studying for themselves under the guidance of the Spirit of Elohim (John 16:13). 

Satan became so deceptive that he was able to deceive one-third of the angels of heaven right in the very presence of Elohim and took them with him when he was cast out of heaven to this earth.  He was not cast out into a place called hell.  He was cast out to this earth.  “And there was war in heaven:  Michael and his angels fought against the dragon; and the dragon fought and his angels, and prevailed not; neither was their place found anymore in heaven.  And the great dragon was cast out, that old serpent, called the Devil, and Satan, which deceives the whole world:  he was cast into the earth, and his angels were cast out with him” (Rev. 12:7-9, emphasis added).  “And his tail drew the third part of the stars [angels] of heaven, and did cast them to the earth” (Rev. 12:4, emphasis added).  See Revelation 1:20 where stars are used in reference to angels.

When there are wars on this earth among men, the opposing generals read and study all the materials available on their opponents.  They want to know as much as they can about their opponent.  So it “must be” with us.  The Bible gives us a wealth of material that will enable us to understand Satan’s methods and means of deception, and we remain ignorant of his devices at our own peril!

The Devil cannot originate anything.  He is the great counterfeiter.  As with any counterfeiter, he only counterfeits the real deal and yet there are always flaws in the counterfeit by which it differs and can be known from the genuine.  A counterfeiter will not counterfeit a three-dollar bill, will he?  Neither will Satan counterfeit something that does not exist in Elohim’s kingdom.  He counterfeited what Elohim had done with Elijah when fire came down from heaven to consume Elijah’s offering.  Satan brought fire down from heaven when he burnt up Job’s sheep and servants and the credit (blame) was given to Elohim.  “The fire of Elohim is fallen from heaven” (Job 1:16).  But we know it was Satan who did this. 

In the final days of earth’s history before the return of Yahushua, Satan will again bring fire down from heaven to deceive men (Rev. 13:13).  And today we have one of Satan’s most successful counterfeits in the so-called “speaking in tongues."  Make no mistake in thinking that I do not believe in “all” the gifts of “the Spirit of Elohim,” which includes the “discerning of spirits” (1 Cor. 12:10). Truth can afford to be tested.  Error cannot afford to be tested.

In my opening remarks I referred to 1 John 4:1.  “Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try [test] the spirits whether they are of Elohim” (emphasis added).  If they are not “of Elohim," then of whom would they be?  Just because something is proclaimed to be of Elohim does not make it so.  It must stand up to the careful scrutiny of being compared to what the Bible has to say on any given matter.  We have all been deceived by Satan at one time or another.  He is the master deceiver who has perfected his skills over the last six thousand years.  If we say we have not been deceived or maybe even say we have never been deceived, it may be that “the god of this world hath blinded” our minds (2 Cor. 4:4), and we are greatly deceived. 

There has been no one except for Yahushua, to my understanding, who has never been deceived by Satan.  But to remain loyal to that deception, whatsoever it may be is perilous.  It is the truth that sets us free from the deceptions of Satan.  “And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free [from Satan’s deceptions]” (John 8:32).

These are the gifts of the Spirit of Elohim, as listed in the Bible.  “Now there are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit.  And there are varieties of ministries, and the same Master.  There are varieties of effects, but the same Elohim who works all things in all persons.  But to each one is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good.  For to one is given the word of wisdom; to another the word of knowledge by the same Spirit; to another faith by the same Spirit; to another the gifts of healing by the same Spirit; to another the working of miracles; to another prophecy; to another discerning of spirits; to another divers kinds of tongues [languages]; to another the interpretation of tongues [languages]:  but all these worketh that one and the selfsame Spirit, dividing to every man severally as He will” (1 Cor. 12:4-11 NAS, emphasis added).

“And Elohim hath set some [not all] in the church, first apostles, secondarily prophets, thirdly teachers, and after that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, governments, diversities of tongues [languages].  Are all apostles? [No] Are all prophets? [No] Are all teachers? [No] Are all workers of miracles? [No] Have all the gifts of healing? [No] Do all speak with tongues [languages]? [No]  Do all interpret?  [No]  But covet earnestly the best gifts” (1 Cor. 12:28-31, emphasis added).  Not everyone has the same gifts, but in the Charismatic Movement everyone speaks in tongues, which is not Biblical. 

The word “unknown” that is placed with “tongues” is not in the ancient manuscripts and was added by the interpreters and is why it was italicized so that we would be aware it was not in the original manuscripts.  Instead many place greater emphasis on the unknown.

“Follow after charity, desire spiritual gifts, but rather that you may prophesy” (1 Cor. 14:1, emphasis added).  No one in the speaking-in-tongues movement seems to want the best gift which is to “prophesy.”

There are a number of gifts given by “the Spirit of Elohim” to individuals, but is there any mention of the same gift being given to all individuals?  “All these are the work of the one and the same Spirit, and He gives them to each one, just as He determines” (1 Cor. 12:11, emphasis added).  “As He determines," and not as we determine.  Paul goes on in 1 Corinthians chapter twelve, comparing the gifts of the Spirit of Elohim to the parts of the human body.  The body is composed of many parts, but they all contribute to the function of the body.  See 1 Corinthians 12:14-17.  Just as there are different body parts so there are different gifts that are given to the members of the church by Elohim.  All do not receive the same gift and every gift is of importance to the ultimate success of our commission to carry the gospel and the truths contained in the Bible into all the world. 

In 1 Corinthians 12:29-30, Paul asks a series of questions.  “Are all apostles? Are all prophets? Are all teachers? Are all workers of miracles? Have all the gifts of healing? Do all speak with tongues [languages]? Do all interpret?”  And the resounding answer to each and every question is NO; including “do all speak with tongues [languages]."  Please notice the word “unknown” is not included in the above passage of Scripture. 

Many consider it an evidence that one has “the Spirit of Elohim” if one can speak in an “unknown tongue."  It should be noted that the word “unknown” used in 1 Corinthians chapter fourteen is italicized which means that word is supplied by the translators and is not contained in the original text.  As Paul clearly points out, not all receive the same gift.

Yet people are judged by whether they can speak in an “unknown tongue” as to whether they have “the Spirit of Elohim.”  Elohim gives His gifts as He decides on an individual basis based on a need.  We have no evidence from the Bible Elohim gives everyone the same gift.  In fact, just the opposite is found to be true.  There is a diversity of gifts that should be seen when “the Spirit of Elohim” is working in the midst of Elohim’s people.  The gift of “speaking in tongues [languages]” is towards the bottom of the list of gifts given by Elohim and once again it should be noted the word “unknown” is not included in the original manuscripts.

How can one tell whether you have “the Spirit of Elohim” abiding in you?  “But the fruit [the evidence “the Spirit of Elohim” is in you] of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, meekness, temperance: against such there is no law” (Gal. 5:22, 23).  If these are missing, can we not question whether or not a person has “the Spirit of Elohim?”

Also in John 16:13, Yahushua said the Holy Spirit of Elohim is given for two specific purposes.  “Howbeit when He, the Spirit of truth (Spirit of Elohim), is come, [1] He will guide you into all truth:  for He shall not speak of Himself; but whatsoever He shall hear, that shall He speak:  and [2] He will show you things to come” (John 16:13, emphasis added).

So with all that has been said about “speaking in tongues," is what we are seeing in the churches today, the genuine Biblical “divers kind of tongues [languages]” or is it a counterfeit?  Some would consider it “blasphemy” to even ask such a question.  But we are to “try (test) the spirits.”  The “truth” can afford to be inspected and does not fear the results.  It is “error” that keeps people from questioning and cannot stand up to the scrutiny of being compared with what the Word of Elohim has to say. 

The Greek word found in the Bible translated into “tongues” is “glossa."  This Greek word also could have been translated into “languages."  Strong’s Concordance tells us it is “a [known] language not naturally acquired."  One does not have to go through months or years of schooling to obtain this ability.  It is a gift bestowed on an individual in order to supply a need.  And that need is to communicate the gospel and the truths contained in the Word of Elohim to the entire world.

There is also a Greek word “glossolalia” that more accurately describes the popular experience found in the charismatic churches, but it is not found in the Bible.  It is defined in the American Heritage Dictionary as:  “fabricated and non-meaningful speech, especially associated with a trance state or certain schizophrenic syndromes."  This is in contrast with the same dictionary’s definition for a “language”:  “the use by human beings of voice sounds, and often written symbols representing these sounds, in organized combinations and patterns in order to express and communicate thoughts and feelings.”

In Acts 2:1-11, we have the account of what took place on the day of Pentecost and from which a movement has taken on the name of the “Pentecostal Movement."  “And when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one accord in one place.  And suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a mighty rushing wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting.  And there appeared unto them cloven tongues like as of fire, and it sat upon each of them.  And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost [Spirit], and began to speak with other tongues [languages], as the Spirit gave them utterance.  And there were dwelling at Jerusalem Jews, devout men, out of every nation under heaven.  Now when this was noised abroad, the multitude came together, and were confounded, because that every man heard them speak in his own language.  [They did not need an interpreter to understand what was being said.]  And they were all amazed and marveled, saying one to another, Behold, are not all these which speak [not babble] Galileans?  And how hear we every man in our own language, wherein we were born?  Parthians, and Medes, and Elamites, and the dwellers in Mesopotamia, and in Judea, and Cappadocia, in Pontus, and Asia, Phrygia and Pamphylia, in Egypt, and in the parts of Libya about Cyrene, and strangers of Rome, Jews and proselytes, Cretes and Arabians, we do hear them speak in our tongues [languages] the wonderful works of Elohim” (emphasis added).

We want to examine the account of this event and see what is revealed there.  People have put their own “spin” on this event, but we want to see what the Bible tells us happened on that eventful day.  “And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost [Spirit], and began to speak with other tongues [languages], as the Spirit gave them utterance” (Acts 2:4).  Again, the word “unknown” does not appear in this text of Scripture. 

And what was it that they spoke to the people who were gathered there?  The content of what was given to the people gathered there is found in Acts 2:14-36.  “They were all filled with the Holy Ghost [Spirit].”

Were John the Baptist, John’s mother, Elizabeth, and John’s father, Zacharias, filled with the Holy Spirit?  Was Yahushua filled with the Holy Spirit?  John the Baptist was filled with the Holy Spirit even while he was in his mother’s womb (Luke 1:15).

Elizabeth [John the Baptist’s mother] was filled with the Holy Ghost [Spirit]” (Luke 1:41, emphasis added).  She was moved to utter those profound words found in Luke 1:42-55 and not in some “unknown language."  “And his [John the Baptist’s] father, Zacharias, was filled with the Holy Ghost [Spirit], and prophesied, saying, Blessed be Yahuwah Elohim of Israel; for He hath visited and redeemed His people, and hath raised up an horn of salvation for us in the house of His servant David; as He spoke by the mouth of His holy prophets, which have been since the world began:  that we should be saved from our enemies, and from the hand of all that hate us; to perform the mercy promised to our fathers, and to remember His holy covenant; the oath which He swore to our father Abraham, that He would grant unto us, that we being delivered out of the hand of our enemies might serve Him without fear, in holiness and righteousness before Him, all the days of our life, and thou, child, shalt be called the prophet of the Highest:  for thou shalt go before the face of Yahuwah to prepare His ways; to give knowledge of salvation unto His people by the remission of sins, through the tender mercy of our Elohim:  whereby the dayspring from on high hath visited us, to give light to them that sit in darkness, and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the way of peace” (Luke 1:67-79, emphasis added). 

Again we find someone who was “filled with Holy Ghost [Spirit]” speaking words easy to be understood and not in some “unknown tongue” that cannot be understood unless someone “interprets it.”

Why were those who were “filled with the Holy Ghost [Spirit]” given the ability to speak other tongues (languages) on the day of Pentecost?   The audience to which the apostles and disciples were speaking were “devout men, out of every nation" (emphasis added). “Every man heard them [apostles and disciples] speak in his own language” (Acts 2:6, emphasis added). 

There is no mention of any interpreting being done in order for this to be accomplished.  The people were “confounded” and “they were all amazed and marveled” because these men who were for the most part uneducated “Galileans” were able to speak to every man in his own language.  They asked the question “And how hear we every man in our own tongue [language] wherein we were born?” (Acts 2:7-8, emphasis added).  What was being said did not need to be interpreted.

The people we are told were from many different countries (Acts 2:9-11).  And they remarked “we do hear them speak in our tongues [not in some unknown tongue or language] the wonderful works of Elohim” (Acts 2:11, emphasis added).  The apostles and disciples were given “glossa” which we discovered earlier means the ability to speak “a language not naturally acquired."  They were known languages and not “unknown” languages, and they were given the ability to speak so the people could understand in their own tongue (language) the message being given by the apostles and disciples.  It was not “glossolalia” or “a fabricated and non-meaningful speech” which was displayed that day of Pentecost and which would have had to be interpreted [if that is even realistically possible] in order for the people to understand what was being spoken.

Was Yahushua “filled with the Holy Ghost [Spirit]?"  Yet we never once read where He spoke in an unknown language, do we?  There are more than fifty instances given in the Scriptures where individuals are said to be “filled with the Spirit of Elohim," and when we examine closely what is written in the Bible we find nothing in the Bible with which to sustain the concept it is an unknown language being spoken.

This modern-day manifestation of “tongues” finds its roots not in the Bible, but rather in ancient pagan spiritualistic rituals.  “In the sixth century BC, the Oracle of Delphi was housed in a temple built near the foot of Mt. Parnassus.  Delphi was also sacred to Dionysus, the god associated with wine, fertility, and sensual dance, and to the nine Muses patron goddess of music.  While exhilarating music was played, Pythia, the chief priestess, would breathe intoxicating vapors, go into a frenzied trance, and then begin jabbering.  The weird sounds the priestess muttered were then interpreted by a priest, who usually spoke in verse.  Her utterances were regarded as the words of Apollo, but the messages were so ambiguous [just as those which are given in modern manifestations] that they could seldom be proven wrong.”  The Concise Columbia Encyclopedia and Compton’s Interactive Encyclopedia, under the entry Delphi

“While in a trance the Pythia ‘raved’ – probably a form of ecstatic speech – and her ravings were ‘translated’ by the priests of the temple into elegant hexameters.” Wikipedia.com under the entry Delphi.

The Pentecostal Movement also known as the Charismatic Movement is the international trend of historically mainstream congregations adopting beliefs and practices similar to Pentecostals.  Fundamental to the movement is the supposed use of spiritual gifts. Among Protestants, the movement began around AD 1960. Among Roman Catholics, it originated around AD 1967 and has its roots in the pagan practices of the ancient Greeks.  This is Satan’s Trojan horse bringing pagan-style worship into the Christian churches with a frightening degree of success.  Satan wants to shift the attention of the Christians from “faith” to “feelings and emotions." 

Some of these Charismatic churches go so far as to say the Bible is the old letter, and the messages which come through ”unknown tongues” are fresh revelations of the Spirit and therefore are more dependable, thus doing away with the Bible as the “Detector of Error.”  But “if they speak not according to the law and to the testimony, it is because there is no light in them” (Isa. 8:20, emphasis added).  The purpose of what we are seeing is to remove the “Detector of Error,” the Holy Bible, so Satan can bring in his deceptions more fully to bear upon the people.  “And the great dragon was cast out, that old serpent, called the Devil, and Satan, which deceives the whole world” (Rev. 12:9, emphasis added).

I recently shared my study on the State of the Dead with a Pentecostal minister, who, after reading it, said to me “What difference does it make?"  The truth sets us free from Satan’s deceptions.  If you believe your departed loved one went to heaven in a form of a spirit, what will you do when you are confronted by someone claiming to be that departed loved one but is really a fallen angel disguised as that dead person?

Do you understand what Spiritualism is all about?  It is built on the lie first told Eve in the Garden of Eden by Satan that “you will not surely die” which was in direct contradiction to what Elohim had said.  And just as Satan contradicted Elohim in the beginning so he and his pawns are once again contradicting what the Word of Elohim tells us.

I attended a Charismatic Church for a while so I know from first-hand experience what goes on there.  On Mt. Carmel, we have the story of the four hundred pagan priests of Baal in a contest with Elijah, the lone prophet of Elohim.  In order to get Baal’s attention the pagan prophets jumped on the altar and shouted and yelled to Baal and cut themselves. In stark contrast, Elijah knelt down quietly and prayed a simple prayer of faith (1 Kings 18:17-46).  When Yahushua healed people and cast out the demons, He very simply spoke to the one affected and that individual was healed, quite unlike what is seen in Pentecostal churches.

Elohim is not the author of confusion” (1 Cor. 4:33, emphasis added).  Who is the author of confusion, if “Elohim is not”?   Satan!  The idea that we lose control of ourselves when we receive “the Spirit of Elohim” is not consistent with the Scriptures.  Having grown up in the Catholic Church in the 50s and 60s when Latin was used for the Mass reminds me of what is taking place in the Charismatic Movement.  What are you saying, you may ask?  Does the message given reach the understanding so you can make intelligent decisions?  Elohim says “Let us reason together” (Isa. 1:18, emphasis added).

The Charismatic Movement is based on emotions and feelings.  When the Devil was cast out of the demon-possessed man, the man was seen “sitting at the feet of Yahushua, clothed, and in his right mind” (Luke 8:35).  He was not all emotional over what had just happened to him.  Elohim gave us a brain to use; to reason with.

There is a true gift of tongues or languages that is desirable to have.  It is not high on the list given in 1 Corinthians chapter twelve.  When there are barriers of languages that prevent the proclamation of the truths of Elohim's Word, that gift is given.  Elohim does not give out gifts that are not needed, but they are given for the purpose of making His truths known into all the world; “to every nation, and kindred, and tongue and people” (Rev. 14:6).  Would there be any need to give the gift of tongues (languages) to someone living among people who all spoke the same language in order to communicate the truths of the Word of Elohim?  Reason tells us no.

Is the Holy Ghost (Spirit of Elohim) given to just anyone?  Yahushua said, “If you love Me, keep My commandments.  And I will pray the Father, and He shall give you another Comforter, that He may abide with you forever; even the Spirit of truth” (John 14:15-17).  “And we are His witnesses of these things; and so is also the Holy Ghost (Spirit of Elohim), Whom Elohim hath given to them that obey Him” (Acts 5:32, emphasis added).

We have seen over the years TV evangelists who fell into sin.  Many of them had claimed to be filled with the Holy Spirit and had the gift of tongues, but they were living in gross immorality and disobedience.  When they went overseas why did they need an army of interpreters to translate for them if they had the gift of tongues?  Paul tells us he spoke in more tongues (languages) than anyone else (1 Cor. 14:18).  I am taking that to mean he spoke in many languages as needed in his travels.  And then he goes on to say, “Yet in the church I had rather speak five words with my understanding, that by my voice I might teach others also, than ten thousand words in an unknown [being italicized shows that this word is not in the original manuscripts] tongue [language]” (1 Cor. 14:19, emphasis added). 

It was given to “teach others”; not to entertain and get people all emotional.  “In understanding be men” (1 Cor. 14:20).  How can one be a man "in understanding" if you do not know what is being said?  Just like in the Catholic Church when Latin was being used.

Why does Elohim give the Spirit?  “But you shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost [Spirit] is come upon you:  and you shall be witnesses unto Me” (Acts 1:8, emphasis added).  Elohim does not give us His Spirit to babble, but as a powerful means for witnessing!  And prior to receiving the power of the Spirit of Elohim for witnessing, it is given to us for cleansing us and transforming us into Elohim's likeness.  "But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of Yahuwah, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of Yahuwah" (2 Cor. 3:18, emphasis added).

How can we receive the genuine gift of the Holy Spirit of Elohim?  When we are in obedience to Him (Acts 5:32), we simply need to ask.  “If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children:  how much more shall your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to them that ask Him?” (Luke 11:13, emphasis added).  It is up to the Spirit of Elohim to determine which gifts if any, you are in need of to accomplish the commission given to you as a follower of Messiah.  Not all receive gifts but are given only to those in need of a particular gift.

One thing we all are in need of and that is the truth which sets us free from the deceptions of Satan and can only be attained as we are taught by the Spirit of Elohim (John 16:13). Elohim has promised to give us His Spirit to guide us into all the truth!  The Pentecostal minister to whom I gave the study of the State of the Dead replied to me upon having finished reading it, “what difference does it make?"  “What difference does it make?”  If we do not have the truth on a matter then Satan is deceiving us, and we are being led astray. And if we are being led astray, we will not have a home on this earth when it is made new!  “Study to show thyself approved unto Elohim, a workman that needs not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth” (2 Tim. 2:15).

"Elohim hath from the beginning chosen you to salvation through sanctification of Spirit [made holy and righteous] and belief of the truth" (2 Thess. 2:13).  It is vital we are not being led astray (Rev. 12:9), and only “the Spirit of Elohim” can guide us into all the truth (John 16:13).

"And when He was demanded of the Pharisees, when the kingdom of Elohim should come, He answered them and said, The kingdom of Elohim comes not with observation:  neither shall they say, Lo here! or, lo there! for, behold, the kingdom of Elohim is within you" (Luke 17:20-21, emphasis added).

"The wind blows where it listeth, and thou hearest the sound thereof, but canst not tell whence it comes, and whither it goes: so is every one that is born of the Spirit" (John 3:8, emphasis added).

The Spirit of Elohim when It comes into a human being works quietly bringing about changes to that individual's character that are seen just as the effects of the wind are seen in the movement of the branches of the tree.

"But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of Yahuwah, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of Yahuwah" (2 Cor. 3:18, emphasis added).